“[ We would] immediately purchase 8,000 properties across the country to give immediate housing to those people “that theyre” homeless, ” Corbyn told the BBC. “At the same day we would require local authorities to build far more.”

That means safe housing would be a guaranteed right for every person in the country.

Corbyn said the plan would empower local authorities to temporarily use vacant housing for “rough sleepers, ” aka homeless people, while more permanent shelters are constructed. He criticized developers who construct luxury properties and intentionally leave them unfilled even as the country grapplings with a growing homeless population 😛 TAGEND

“There is something grossly insulting about the idea you would build some luxury block and deliberately keep it empty. Surely we have to have a social objective and a social priority in our society? ”

At the same time, housing isn’t the only factor in addressing the multiple issues homeless communities face. In Utah, initial reports about the success of a housing program have shown more mixed outcomes in hindsight, as state officials struggle to deal with an ever-evolving homeless population has an impact on a multitude of complicated factors — including the opioid crisis, mental illness, and economic challenges.

Homelessness is a serious issue. Mental illness, addiction, and poverty are real challenges that communities across America, the U.K ., and elsewhere have always fought with.

But sometimes the best solution is also the most simple : If you want to combat homelessness, give the homeless a place to live. It could save money and give people hope for a better life.